As a preteen I did yard chores for an elderly neighbor named Mr. Albert Webster. He was a retired machinist and he began to mentor me on the hobby machine shop he had in his basement. He taught me how to build firing model cannons and would patiently show me how to run his manual lathe and manual milling machine. His caring manner and encouragement ignited a spark in me and I began to read books on artillery design.
Eventually as a teenager I was able to aquire a miniature machine shop with the help of relatives and started machining scale, firing model cannon barrels out of brass. While on holiday I met the historian at a military park that had actual artillery pieces on display. His name was Mr. Robert Clapp and he encouraged me further. He was a very nice man and explained things about artillery design I had not read about. Then I began to make scale models of the British 6 pounder artillery piece. After I had a few made and test fired I decided I needed to take this to the next level. The brass stock I used was from a surplus metal dealer and was not cheap. I also needed to pay back the relatives that helped me get started.
I arranged a ride to the local gun shop and did a presentation to the store owner. He was supportive and offered me cash up front for any barrels I could sell him. I found I needed to adopt a new method of machining to keep up with demand. I would work on 5 barrels at a time, doing each machining step consecutively. Without having a formal business plan, I learned how to cold call, do sales presentations and negotiate and close a sale. I learned about machine design, product development and business development. This hobby home business helped me aquire a strong work ethic and make pocket money.
Later on I got into 3D CAD and this is a component of one of the prototypes I worked up. By this time I was more interested in the modern technology.
This component has been partially assembled in a virtual environment.